The Newsletter of the Deeds Not Words Community

September 2, 2021 | Deeds Digest No. 194

Get Ready #Changemakers,

We're here today without the rights that we had just days ago. This special session has shown us the true colors of many lawmakers at the Texas Legislature. Our movement has been continuously fighting the nonstop barrage of attacks on our liberties since the beginning of this year, through these two special sessions, and we are not backing down without a fight. As these destructive legislators will NOT stop attacking our reproductive rights, even more of our voting and basic human rights are going to be on the line.

SB 8 passed, along with many other restrictive bills, which the SCOTUS allowed to remain in effect. Abortion at six weeks (when many people are unaware they are even pregnant) and after is banned. Abortion six weeks and earlier is still legal, but putting such a short time period for people to react is a blatant invasion of our human autonomy. Roe v. Wade is at risk as these bills continue to pile up and cut back the ruling until it no longer exists. Additional bills that passed include limiting the discussion of systemic racism in the classroom, limiting voting access, and much more. It is crucial for us to fight back and stand up for our rights.

With SB 1 heading to the Governor's Desk, voter suppression is expanding, even though Texas was already one of the most difficult states to vote in. Now mail voting will require a driver’s license number, election identification certificate (EIC), or the final four digits of their Social Security number and a physical signature that can be compared to past signatures that had been filed. Voting by mail is crucial for many voters, especially with COVID, yet it is being restricted more than ever.

We demand to have our voices heard. We demand to have our freedoms returned. Let your voices be heard by contacting your legislators and letting them know that these bills are unacceptable and harmful to our state. And the most effective way for your voice to be heard is at the ballot box. Texas needs more #Changemakers that fight for HUMAN RIGHTS, not just the rights of certain humans.

In Solidarity,
Anna Li, Deeds Policy Intern

✨ Meet our Fall Interns! ✨

Lou Nillas, Graphic Design Intern

Lou is a Filipina-American illustrator, designer, and professional sticker hoarder. Much of her work explores themes of multi-faceted femininity, mythology, and Filipino heritage.

“I wanted to create in a space that would not only propel my artistic development but my personal growth as a feminist with intersectional values!”

Anna Li, Policy Intern

Anna (who you heard from above!) is a passionate Chinese-American advocate for government reform, reproductive rights, and much more. She loves PC gaming and incorporating games in her advocacy work, such as designing and coordinating digital outreach events.

"I joined Deeds because of their core values! I believe that Texas will change and become a wonderful place, but with these restrictive laws and policies in place, there’s so much work to be done first."

Alysa Sides, Digital Intern

Alysa is an advocate, digital organizer, and, most recently, an avid 80’s sci-fi movie connoisseur. They are deeply impassioned to bring justice to our community in face of this state’s egregious lack of humanity.

“I joined Deeds because I believe every issue can be centered around fighting for reproductive justice, and the work done here at Deeds elevates this exact idea.”

Paralympian Robyn Lambird Wants To Inspire Others To Chase Their Dreams

Representing Team Australia in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, athlete Robyn Lambird brought home the bronze medal for the Women’s 100-metre T34 sprint. By accomplishing their career-long goal of medaling at the Paralympics, Lambird simultaneously created history by becoming the first out non-binary person to medal. They continue to dismiss the idea of disability inherently having a negative connotation and have used their platform to center conversations around the intersection of disability, gender, and sexuality.

Here’s more of what's inspiring us…

Texas law banning abortion as early as six weeks goes into effect as the U.S. Supreme Court takes no action

The nation held its collective breath Tuesday night, desperately waiting on a Supreme Court decision that would overturn the most restrictive abortion ban in the country. However, the SCOTUS failed to overturn the Texas anti-abortion bill and it is now law. Abortion providers were overwhelmed with people seeking abortion services in the days leading up to when the ban was formalized. Clinics, providers, and individuals involved in abortion services are uncertain what the next steps may be as the law goes into effect, allowing private individuals to sue people they suspect are “aiding and abetting” with abortions.

Here’s more of what has us fired up…

How To Support Abortion in Texas Right Now

The SB 8 law specifically targets abortion funds, which help Texans pay for their procedure and get logistical help like a ride to the clinic.

Now more than ever, abortion funds need your support! Chip in to ensure they can continue helping Texans access abortion care. If you need support regarding abortions in Texas, visit needabortion.org for resources and up-to-date info.

Calling All Texans! The time has come to draw new electoral maps for our state. Join us alongside our friends at MOVE Texas, the Texas Civil Rights Project, Common Cause Texas, Children’s Defense Fund, Mi Familia Vota, and NextGen in mobilizing for the redistricting process!

Texas is increasingly younger and more diverse than ever. This means that the maps produced in any fair Redistricting process need to center the groups and communities that have fueled the growth.

Help us fight for fair maps by registering for a Virtual Youth Redistricting Advocacy Day on September 8th from 4PM-6PM! This is an opportunity to learn more about the redistricting process and how you can get involved in the next 10 years for political power. Register now!

#Changemaker of the Week: Our new Campus Organizers!

Let's celebrate and welcome our newest #Changemakers! 🎉 As they just finished their onboarding training, they're kicking off their semester in stride!

✨ Lauren, World Cultures & Political Science major at University of Houston

✨ Natalie, Criminal Justice major at Prairie View A&M

✨ Braelynn, Government and Women & Gender Studies major at UT Austin

✨ Sri, Healthcare Management and Biology major at UT Dallas

✨ Long, Public Health major at Texas A&M

✨ Genevieve, Social Work major at UT El Paso

We see you, Changemakers! 👏

Deeds Not Words is galvanizing the power of young Texans across the state, training the next generation of women leaders, and creating an impact through our legislative work. Your support allows us to continue pursuing our mission of a more equitable future!

🎉 Support our Changemakers 🎉